Film on “cai luong” to compete in Tokyo International Film Festival

Movie star and producer Ngo Thanh Van’s latest film, Song Lang (The Tap Box), will compete in the Tokyo International Film Festival 2018 (TIFF).

film on "cai luong" to compete in tokyo international film festival hinh 0

A scene in Song Lang (The Tap Box), a film on the 100-year history and development of cai luong (reformed opera), a genre of traditional theatre in the South (Photo courtesy of VAA)

The film was selected to be screened at the Opening International Premiere in the Asian Future Category.

Song Lang highlights the 100-year history and development of “cai luong” (reformed opera), a traditional theatre genre in the South. 

It features a group of “cai luong” artists in HCM City in the 1980s, focusing on the challenges they face to preserve their art. 

It also centres on the career of a young performer, Linh Phung, who makes sacrifices to pursue his dream.  

Van invited Vietnamese-American Leon Le to direct her film. Le researched many documents and books on “cai luong” before filming.  

The film stars pop singer and actor Issac, winner of the Rising Star of Asia’s Star Awards at the 21st Busan International Festival in 2016, and young actors Tu Quyen and Lien Binh Phat.  

These artists spent several days to practice singing and dancing “cai luong” with experts. 

Song Lang hit cinemas in August. “I wanted to capture the beauty of Vietnamese culture and lifestyle in films,” said producer Van, who has more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Her new project, Than Dong Dat Viet (Vietnamese Prodigies), based on Vietnamese folk stories, will begin filming late this year.

Last year, Van’s Co Ba Sai Gon (The Tailor), a romantic comedy on Vietnamese women in Sai Gon (now HCM City) in the 1960s, was screened and honoured at the 22nd Busan International Film Festival in Busan, the Republic of Korea.

The film’s leading character, young actress Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc of HCM City, was named Face of Asia at the Asia Star Awards 2017.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s Department of Cinematography recently decided to send Co Ba Sai Gon to the US’s 91st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.

The 10-day event TIFF will begin in Tokyo on October 25. It has attracted 1,829 films come from 109 countries and territories.  

Song Lang will compete with eight films from China, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan for top prizes for the Best Asian Future Film Award and The Spirit of Asia Award, presented by the Japan Foundation Asia Centre.

VNA

Other News

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

With its millennia-old heritage and growing integration of preservation and innovation, Van Phuc silk weaving village is poised to become a distinctive cultural destination, helping promote Hanoi’s sustainable cultural tourism and bring the quintessence of Vietnamese silk weaving closer to domestic and international visitors.

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre Le Hoan, the bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips in July, serving more than 8.48 million passengers. Weekly growth accelerated throughout the month, rising from 33% in the first week to 45% in the fourth week.

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries.

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi has long been known for the heritage cachet of a thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a network of craft villages have given the city a singular pull.

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf."

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

The Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 features a rural market-themed culinary space at East Sea Park showcasing Quang region cuisine, a beachfront art route, a light kite night featuring around 500 illuminated kites, and a seaside light party combining visual arts, music and local cuisine.

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

One of the most notable successes is the premium Hoa Phuong Do (Flamboyant Flower) train operating between Hanoi and Hai Phong city. Since entering service in May 2025, the train has completed nearly 3,000 trips and carried around 1.33 million passengers.

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

According to Lonely Planet, Da Nang stands out for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, an energetic yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene and a diverse range of experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is also praised as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam, offering convenient access to Hoi An, Hue and My Son Sanctuary.

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Experts said that with market-oriented development, improved functionality, stronger storytelling and greater involvement from designers, businesses and market-connecting organisations, souvenirs could become a bridge linking Vietnam with the world while contributing to the growth of cultural industries and the creative economy.

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

One of the exhibition's highlights is the "Our Sound" installation, where visitors become part of the artwork itself. As multiple participants interact simultaneously, sound and light merge into a shared composition, conveying messages of connection, sharing and collective responsibility for building sustainable communities in harmony with nature.